HomeMy WebLinkAbout1-92, staff memo for code of ethics ord so2� THE CITY OF BOZEMAN
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MEMORANDUM
To: James E. Wysocki, City Manager
From: Ron Brey, Assistant to the City Manager `7
Date: January 9, 1992
Subject: Revised Code of Ethics Ordinance
Please find attached a draft Ordinance revising Sections
2. 01. 010, 2 . 01- 020, 2 . 01. 040, and 2 . 01. 070 of the Bozeman Municipal
Code.
As you are aware, the City Commission is more frequently
seeking specified expertise on various advisory boards. Certain
provisions in our existing Code of Ethics make it difficult for
professional individuals with such expertise to serve on these
boards. City Attorney Paul Luwe and I have been investigating
alternative language to allow such service without compromising the
City's prohibition of conflict between public duty and private
interest.
At present, an individual serving on any board may not
represent clients on unrelated matters before a different board.
In the case of those boards where we have specified expertise, we
are creating a situation where any service by a professional
consultant who may represent clients before the City Commission is
precluded. After creating a distinction between employees of the
City and City Officials, the attached draft Ordinance allows an
Official the opportunity to represent clients only on matters
completely unrelated to the responsibilities of the Agency on which
the Official serves.
By revising the definition of personal interest, the draft
Ordinance addresses the situation where an individual's expertise
is demonstrated through affiliation with other organizations. Such
affiliation, not including employment, would not, by itself,
constitute a conflict of interest.
During the course of this review, we determined that several
other items were in need of revision. The draft Ordinance
references applicable sections of State Statute; employees'
responsibilities to multi-member agencies on which they serve is
stated; and public disclosure requirements and communication
HOME OF MONTANA STATE UNIVERSITY
GATEWAY TO YELLOWSTONE PARK
James E. Wysocki
January 9, 1992
p. 2
limitations are specified in those instances where a conflict of
interest exists.
City Attorney Luwe and I will be in attendance at the
Commission's January 13 , 1992 meeting to address any questions
which may arise.
RB:rb
Attachment